So much has happened since we left Paris 5 days ago including the nightmare of seeing NotreDame in flames. As we have absorbed that reality the news that all was not lost has softened the blow. We were prepared to make our donation too but have read that 600million euros have already been donated by wealthy French families. Wonderful!!

We arrived in Armenia on Sunday and after a day of rest (so to speak) we make the trip to Artsakh arriving there by late afternoon. George and i have made the trip many times but this time we traveled over a new road which cut out one hour. The 6 hr journey was made even more pleasant because we were in a Mercedes-Benz van with good friends. The trip involves crossing 3 mountain chains which in bad weather can present formidable road conditions. We were lucky!

This gives you an idea of what the journey entails. Before reaching the first mountain chain we drove about 70 miles along one of the largest fresh water mountain lakes in the world: Lake Sevan. Our main stop along the way was to see one of Armenia’s most spectacular churches built into the side of one of these mountains– Dadevank.

Frescoes from the Middle Ages were preserved by soot and grim which accumulated through the centuries. more than one Thousand of these monasteries can be found throughout the countryside all over Armenia and Artsakh. They were built into remote difficult mountainous areas to make it difficult for enemies to destroy them. At last Stepanagert comes into view.

We have two and a half days packed with visits to hospitals, NGOs, seeing old friends and of course a reception at the Presidential offices. here we are with our good friends the family that runs the Arpen Center. The mother and father were with us from the beginning (1995). Now their daughters are in charge. The Arpen Center, named for my mom, provides food and clothing for pregnant women. George is checking on the supplies.